In everyday life, you rarely use one muscle at a time. You must call on a variety of muscles to keep
you steady on your feet and to help you move. Even a simple movement such as walking recruits
several muscles to get your legs moving. Balance and strength provide the foundation for all
movement.

When we’re young, we generally take our balancing skills for granted. As we get older, however,
we find that our balance (the ability to sense where our bodies are positioned and adjust muscle
tension to maintain alignment) isn’t what it used to be. The consequences of losing our ability to
balance are significant. Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults. Every year, 30 to 50
percent of people over age 65 sustain a fall; many never recover completely. Even less serious
falls can result in physical adaptations (i.e., becoming less active, moving more slowly) that
negatively impact the quality of life.

While some effects of aging–such as impaired vision, reduced reflex speed and decreased
sensitivity of skin receptors–can impair balance and coordination, poor balance is not inevitable.
Many physically fit older adults practice the same balance exercises as recovery strategies as
younger adults and, as a result, are generally better at controlling their balance than their inactive
peers.

I’m always looking for balance in my clients’ bodies. Inevitably, if their bodies are out of balance, then they hurt; minor aches and pains bring them down.

Simply, they feel good because balance feels good!

Balance Benefits

You’ll hone your mindful training skills, simultaneously training your balance reaction.

You’ll strengthen your core muscles.

You’ll improve your posture. Good posture requires strength.

You’ll enhance your neuromuscular function. By training your balance and muscles, you’ll
sharpen your nervous system.

You’ll fine-tune your sensory systems.

You’ll decrease your chances of an injury.